US Administration at the Center of COVID-19 Outbreak: Extremely Sloppy Crisis Management

President Donald Trump was hospitalized for COVID-19, but with the presidential election approaching next month on Nov. 3, he apparently intends to resume campaign activities in full force, holding rallies and giving speeches.

While Trump insists that he “feel[s] perfect,” he has refused to provide details about his condition. Instead, he has perpetuated this appearance of unfounded optimism. Perhaps he is aiming to cover up the failure of his measures to fight COVID-19.

Anyone can become infected with COVID-19. No one should be blamed for that fact. However, it is clear that Trump has taken a halfhearted approach to measures such as social distancing and wearing a mask.

In the U.S., there have been more than 7 million cases of COVID-19, with casualties surpassing 200,000, the worst numbers in the world. Trump is acting too irresponsibly for a president, as he continues to make claims that are only advantageous for him, without proper investigation or reflection as to whether they are appropriate.

Even after testing positive, Trump continues to downplay the severity of COVID-19, repeatedly saying he is “immune.”

He will probably appeal to his supporters. However, according to a televised CNN public opinion poll, the number of people who disapprove of his response has climbed to 60%. One could say that his presidential qualifications are once again being called into question.

Even more grave is the fact that the White House, the center of Trump’s administration, has experienced a mass COVID-19 outbreak.

An event celebrating the naming of a new nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court featured a large crowd, many of whom did not wear masks. After the event, in rapid succession, the president’s advisers, the press secretary and others tested positive for COVID-19. Top U.S. military personnel who may have come into close contact with people who were infected went into quarantine.

If the government becomes paralyzed due to a crisis, national security may be jeopardized, and the effect on both domestic and international fronts could be dire.

Ever since the COVID-19 crisis began, Trump has belittled the risks, refusing to listen to scientific experts. No one has acknowledged the need for skilled crisis management, and the response has been very sloppy.

The second presidential debate, which was scheduled for this week against the Democratic candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, has been canceled.

Taking Trump’s health into consideration, an alternative plan was to hold a virtual debate via video broadcast, but Trump refused to participate unless the event could be face-to-face.

During the first debate, both candidates engaged in combative personal attacks from start to finish, and the debate was not focused on policy. However, there are myriad challenges that must be addressed, starting with COVID-19 countermeasures, and including other issues, such as restoring the economy, diplomacy and national security.

Only one debate remains. We would like for at least this last debate to be civil and productive.*

*Editor’s note: The final presidential debate took place on Oct. 22.